A Chinese-flagged research vessel first seen northeast of Viga, Catanduanes has moved near Northern Samar, reports Manila's ABS-CBN News.
As of 7:30 am on April 29, the vessel Shen Kuo was monitored 44.6 nautical miles northeast of Gamay, Northern Samar.
AFP Public Affairs Office chief Col Xerxes Trinidad stated the military continues to monitor the vessel's unauthorised presence and movement in the eastern section of the country.
'We are seeing that the vessel is loitering. From one point to another, naga-traverse lang siya at nagloloiter lang doon. Stop and go, you can call it,' said Col Trinidad.
Col Trinidad stated that given the vessel's unusual movement, it may be surveying the area.
'There are possibilities of a survey dahil hindi naman siya considered an international highway for vessels. 'Yung stop and go na movement is very unusual',' said Col Trinidad.
When asked if efforts were being made to board and search the vessel, Mr Trinidad answered that it was up to maritime law enforcement agencies to decide.
'We've been coordinating with them on what will be the possible actions for this particular incident,'
'We have to really protect and increase our maritime domain awareness, not just in the West Philippine Sea, but in the entire archipelago.' said Col Trinidad.
SeaNews Turkey
As of 7:30 am on April 29, the vessel Shen Kuo was monitored 44.6 nautical miles northeast of Gamay, Northern Samar.
AFP Public Affairs Office chief Col Xerxes Trinidad stated the military continues to monitor the vessel's unauthorised presence and movement in the eastern section of the country.
'We are seeing that the vessel is loitering. From one point to another, naga-traverse lang siya at nagloloiter lang doon. Stop and go, you can call it,' said Col Trinidad.
Col Trinidad stated that given the vessel's unusual movement, it may be surveying the area.
'There are possibilities of a survey dahil hindi naman siya considered an international highway for vessels. 'Yung stop and go na movement is very unusual',' said Col Trinidad.
When asked if efforts were being made to board and search the vessel, Mr Trinidad answered that it was up to maritime law enforcement agencies to decide.
'We've been coordinating with them on what will be the possible actions for this particular incident,'
'We have to really protect and increase our maritime domain awareness, not just in the West Philippine Sea, but in the entire archipelago.' said Col Trinidad.
SeaNews Turkey
